On Tap: Mia Restaurant, Caesars Atlantic City

Caesars Atlantic CityMia Restaurant at Caesars Atlantic City offers an impressive craft beer list in addition to its fine Italian and Mediterranean food

This past weekend, I had the privilege of attending a media night at Mia Restaurant at Caesars Atlantic City. Mia is a Mediterranean (mostly Italian) style restaurant that was brought to life by well-known chefs Georges Perrier and Chris Scarduzio. Located just outside the Caesars casino, the tall white pillars and bold red curtains make you feel like you are walking through the streets of rome; the incredible Italian food helps too.

I'm a beer guy, not a food critic. But it would be a crime not to mention the incredible plates that Chef Chris Scarduzio created for the event (but excuse me if I don't quite do them justice). The first two plates were Spaghetti and Meatballs and Penne Vodka. Both were incredible. The meatballs were among the best I've ever had, and the vodka sauce was so rich and creamy; I could eat these two plates every night for a month. Lucky for me, I didn't have to, because there was more! Following these came plates of Prawn, Salmon, Fillet Mignon with spinach, and Chicken Parmesan. Like I said, I'm not a food critic, so to try to describe these wouldn't do them justice. Just know that they were among the best foods I've ever had. Finally, dessert. The cheesecake was immaculate and the peanut butter cups were so rich and savory...I have to go back...now.

Now, on to my favorite part of the menu: the beer. I've been to a lot of restaurants and a lot of bars; I've been to some with just a few beer offerings and I've been to bars with over a hundred taps. Mia, though, had one of the most impressive craft beer lists I've seen. It wasn't long, though, so much as...well, impressive.

The beer list is split, for the most part, by style, and all were $6.50 unless noted otherwise (and considering the quality of these craft beers, that's a more than reasonable price). The first style is the IPAs. Among them: Dogfish Head 90 Minute, Stone IPA, Lagunitas IPA, Weyerbacher Double Simcoe IPA, Uinta Dubhe Imperial Black IPA, Anderson Valley Hop Ottin IPA, and Dogfish Head 120 Minute IPA ($12. Note: the last 120 Minute I purchased was $11 in a liquor store).

Troegs Brewing CompanyTroegs Pale Ale is one many great craft beers available at Mia Restaurant at Caesars Atlantic City

Finally, my favorite part of the entire list: Vintage (and rare) Dogfish Head. First is Dogfish's 2007 Fort (25.4 oz). While a $35 price tag might seem steep, this 15-18% ABV beer is made with a ridiculous amount of raspberries and pairs very well with food, similar to a wine. Next from 2007 is the Olde School Barley Wine. Olde School is great in its year, and barley wines only get better with age. For just $10, this is a steal. The last 2007 is even more of a steal, the 120 Minute IPA. While most IPAs are better fresh, 120 clocks in around 20% ABV is the perfect beer to age. Sam Calagione (founder and owner of Dogfish Head) says to age this beer, it's best to go into your backyard, dig a 6 foot deep hole, and bury it. Not only does this give the beer the perfect aging environment (no light and cellar temperatures), but it will stop you from drinking it too soon. Luckily, Mia takes care of this for you. For just $18 (an amazing deal for this rare, aged beer; fresh, this beer costs $11 in stores), you can enjoy something not many people will ever have the pleasure to experience.

Mia also carries a 2008 Burton Baton, an oak aged blend of an English-style Old Ale and an Imperial IPA, and one of my favorites. This 10% ABV beauty is available for just $10. Also from 2008, you can enjoy Dogfish's Black and Blue. This 10% ABV Belgian-style golden ale is fermented with real blackberries and blueberries, and costs $30 (25.4 oz). Finally, Mia offers, for $30 (25.4 oz), a 2009 Red and White, Dogfish Head's Belgian-style witbier brewed with coriander and orange peel, fermented with pinot noir juice, and aged on oak.

Like I said, this is one of the more impressive craft beer lists I've seen. Not only is there great variety and great quality, but all of it is available at very reasonable prices (and can be enjoyed with some incredible food). Whether you're a craft beer enthusiast or just want to try some of the best beer out there, I strongly suggest stopping in next time you're near Atlantic City.

Mia will also be hosting a Weyerbacher beer dinner on September 13. I'll post more information on the dinner at a later date, but I strongly suggest keeping your calendars open, as this promises to be a great evening.